Ten Pieces of Wicker 1 to Complete Your Home
Wicker Coffee Table
A wicker coffee table can make a great centerpiece in your formal or secondary living room. They also make great items for an enclosed porch.
Wicker End Table
If you’re not too keen on having the wicker item the centerpiece in your room, but you still want to add a little natural charm, consider a wicker end table. Next to the right color couch with the right fabric, it can add a bit of subtle style to a room.
Wicker Waste Basket
Tired of the plastic or metal waste receptacles and want something a little less intimidating? Try a wicker waste basket. Sturdy and durable, they add a touch of nature to any room.
Wicker Hamper
Along the same theme as the wicker waste basket, most hampers are metal or plastic or some combination of the two. A wicker hamper just gives a sense of class in your bathroom or wherever you use it.
Wicker Lamp
This could be a great conversation piece for a living room or an interesting fixture in a den or study. It’s a great, non-traditional way to add a little exotic flavor to a room.
Wicker Couch
When you think of wicker furniture, you might not always (if ever) think about wicker couches, but over the years there have been some great designs that look good and are comfortable too.
Rattan Room Divider
You’ve seen these in movies and have always wanted one – why not make it last longer by buying one made out of rattan?
Rattan Bed
Why not show off the style of rattan with one of the most important pieces of furniture in your house? Rattan beds come in all sizes and make a great statement in your bedroom.
Rattan Storage
Everyone can use more storage. Why not make it something stylish that stores things as well? There are a lot of different types of storage devices made out of rattan, something to suit everyone’s needs and wants.
Rattan Lounger
If you’re a bit more traditional, you might not want to have any rattan furniture inside your house. This doesn’t mean you can’t have a great piece of rattan furniture for the outside of your house. Whether next to the pool or simply on the deck, a rattan lounger is a great addition of wicker furniture to your house.
Rattan for Life
Whether you choose one or more of the items above, these are some great ideas for adding a dash of exotic flavor to your home decor. Don’t be like everyone else and settle for a rattan chair for outside. Think outside the box and make your home more comfortable and stylish at the same time.
No matter what you choose, you can rest assured the rattan furniture will last a long time and be something you and your family can cherish for years to come.
Choose From A Wide Range Of Wicker 1
When you’re considering wooden furniture, you probably have more than a few requirements. You may, perhaps, want a something durable and long lasting that will maintain its value and prove to be a great investment. You may also want something lightweight, which can be easily moved to rearrange or redecorate. If these sound like what you’re looking for, you’re probably going to be best suited shopping for wicker furniture.
While wicker refers to a method of wooden furniture manufacturing, rather than a specific material, it is usually associated with woods such as rattan, bamboo or willow. It is a favorite of those seeking a light, airy and versatile piece that can be modified to fit their lifestyle and d?r as it changes.
The best types of wicker furniture are made from natural products, such as reeds or rattan. These types of wicker are also called cane furniture as they are woven from cane like woods. Because of the unique, intricate weaving process, the natural wicker pieces are exceptionally strong, and a finishing coat provides excellent protection from moisture damage. The process also allows for a wide range of furniture styles and types.
The thought of wicker may make you think of an outdoor setting, like a screened porch or open patio. While wicker, like any piece of wooden furniture, should never be left exposed to the elements for an extended period of time, patio decors are probably the most popular place for these pieces. Patio tables, chairs, chaise lounges and tables can all be crafted in wicker, and with proper care can be used for years to come.
Many indoor styles, from Victorian to a green environmental, utilize simple wicker furniture to provide an earthy feel. Environmental decors are best served by all-natural wicker to maximize natural beauty and minimize ecological impact.
When shopping for wicker furniture, it’s important to remember the different types available. Bamboo wicker is exceptionally sturdy and beautiful. It is less pliable that other wicker materials, but will be much more durable for a longer period of time. Rattan is similar to bamboo, but since it is a snaking vine rather than a straight growing reed, rattan is much more pliable. This pliability makes it better suited for intricate weaving, and it is nearly as durable as bamboo. Similarly, other vines and willow branches, a vine-like tree branch, provide pliability and strength.
Synthetic fibres have gained much popularity since they hit the market. Since they are easier to manufacture, color and weave than natural fibers, they provide a cost effective alternative. They are, typically, just as durable and much more water resistant. However, they don’t provide the same ecologically sound benefits of quick growing plants like rattan and bamboo, and cannot be considered true wooden furniture.
Understanding More About Cane 1 and Wicker Furniture
Talk about rattan furniture, or cane furniture and some people might instantly think of it as the same as wicker furniture. In many cases, rattan and wicker furniture are used interchangeably, but there is a difference.
Rattan is the material, but wicker is the process of weaving the rattan or other materials into the finished goods. Wicker furniture could be made from straw or bamboo which is weaved around a rattan frame.
Rattan is predominantly found in monsoon and primary rainforests, especially in Indonesia and Malaysia. Currently, there are about 50 species of rattan being traded commercially all over the world. Rattan is strong, durable and easy to work with, requiring only simple machines and tools, therefore making them a popular choice of material for manufacturing of furniture. However, workmanship and skill is what distinguishes between quality and average wicker furniture. A good finish would show the wood’s natural colours with a very slight sheen. Here is where experience and skills matter.
Rattan is an environmentally friendly, strong and naturally beautiful material. Its natural qualities allow it to be tanned, shaped, and bent to make long-lasting and gorgeous looking furniture. It can also be painted and combined with other materials like wood or metal, not only to create furniture, but also accessories like baskets, shelves, racks etc. The possibilities are endless.
Wicker furniture is durable and strong, because of the way the materials are woven into the furniture. When choosing wicker furniture, be sure to choose those which are densely woven. Lightly woven wicker furniture tends to be more unstable. As the materials are not manmade, the colours may not be totally uniform, but this exudes a natural feel and adds to the attractiveness of wicker furniture.
Due to the versatility of wicker furniture, they have become a popular choice for furnishing. Add any wicker furniture and the place instantly gets a more relaxed and cosy feel. This is why wicker furniture is commonly used in holiday resorts and hotels. Of course, if you want to create a laid back, relaxed atmosphere in your house, you could also add some rattan furniture in every part of your house. You can place them indoors, or outdoors. The choice is yours.
Maintenance is very simple too. If cared for properly, rattan or cane furniture can last for many years, or even decades. To ensure that your rattan furniture lasts long, try to avoid putting them under direct sunlight for prolong periods of time. Regularly brush away the dust and light clean with a slightly damp cloth. Make sure that they are properly aired and dried, as moisture and humidity can cause mould.
Do pay our site a visit and you will be spoilt for choice with the wide variety of furniture available. We also have a pool of resources which explains the characteristics of the different types of materials, as well as guides on how to choose and care for your wicker furniture. With our experience in this industry, we guarantee that you will be able to find your dream piece of wicker furniture.
Why Wicker 1 is Hip
What? You haven’t heard? Word on the ‘net is that wicker furniture is mad popular. To be hip is to be fashionably current. If we use that definition, wicker furniture is definitely hip.
If you look around during your day sometime you’re bound to see wicker furniture in all sorts of places. There’s something about the weave and the natural look of wicker furniture that just adds a bit of style to any location, be it a room inside the house or outdoors on a patio or deck.
Hipness is a state of mind. Owning wicker furniture takes a certain state of mind. It’s not for the posh conservative crowd. And they’re decidedly not hip in most circumstances.
If you’re really hip, you’ll know the difference between bamboo and rattan furniture. The differences are subtle, but they’re there to the carefully trained hipster eye.
Rattan furniture won’t make you hip, but it can be an expression of your hipness. If you’re on the same wavelength as me, that statement will make a lot of sense.
If you don’t understand that statement, maybe wicker furniture is out of your league. Then again, the wonders of wicker never cease in breaking down barriers of the squares, the tragically un-hip.
To the artistic, wicker can be seen as a representation of reality, of life itself. With the twisting and turning of the vines, or the side by side uniformity of other designs, the materials being weaves in and out of itself like the moments and people we all experience in our life each and every day.
An interesting thing to note about the hipness of wicker furniture is its longevity. It’s been around for a very, very long time and throughout the ages it’s been a hip sort of furniture for bohemians and the nine-to-fivers as well. This long lasting quality is just another indicator, albeit a strong one.
Imagine if you will a coffee shop filled with plastic chairs and plastic tables and plastic tasting coffee. Now, imagine that same coffee shop or diner with wicker chairs and wicker tables and wicked tasting coffee. Now, the wicker furniture won’t make the coffee taste better, but it adds to the overall atmosphere of the cafe, which can make even the worst coffee taste not so bad.
A hundred years from now, three thousand years from now, I imagine wicker furniture will still be hip. With such a long list of things going for it, such a crowd of people that like it, how could it not withstand a few more years of hipness?
There’s a riddle here. But maybe you’ve guessed it by now. That’s right. It’s not the wicker that makes itself hip, it’s those that observe and interact with it.
Making of Treated Wicker Outdoor Garden 1
There is a quite an assortment of pieces and sets of wicker (particularly rattan) outdoor garden furniture that are mixed and matched to create just the right look. It is used for a variety of reasons and the process by and how it is made is often interesting to people.
The best varieties are the treated ones and you are going to learn exactly how they are made. However, you are going to first learn why rattan is so often used today.
Why
The use of smooth modern lines and sharp angles blended with carefully crafted wicker results in the production of the most elegant and comfortable works. These timeless works of art were created with the intent to complement any area and will create a warm and inviting place for you and your family to enjoy.
Furthermore, it is used because it often creates the same great appeal and ambiance than a wood display. Therefore, many people use it to create an inviting outside or conservatory setting for much less money. Sometimes it is even displayed indoors.
How it is Made
As noted already, contemporary wicker outdoor garden furniture is produced of the choicest palm wood material from specific locations within Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Most of this material used for the manufacture of the finest wicker product originates from Indonesia.
All the pieces used for this purpose are UV treated and can be placed outside all year round without the expectation of fading, splitting, or cracking of the rattan. Most of these pieces come with a waterproof cover that protects and preserves the furniture when it is not in use.
This special protection makes entertaining and dining outdoors much more convenient. Furthermore each piece increases its life span dramatically. (Of course beware that certain models are not UV or water resistant. So shop carefully.)
Frequently, the frames are constructed from lightweight aluminum is usually coated in order to prevent it from rusting. Also being able to resist the outdoor elements makes each piece easy to move from area to area and can be packed away very tightly.
Popular Sets
Certain models of rattan outdoor garden furniture can be combined in such a way to produce merely the right affect. These contemporary pieces are often mixed with additional décor and accessories to produce a display, that portrays your uniqueness.
Sets of recommended models include the following (pending current availability): The Juniper Garden Set which is recognized for its black base and frame against bright colored 12mm cushions, The Saturn Rattan Garden Furniture set which is built of thick, white padded cushions, and the Havana Rattan Garden Furniture Set which is known for its rich dark brown color and sharp corners.
Rattan, Wicker, Cane – Explain?
Wicker is a weaving process so not a material. So when 1 is called wicker furniture it is basically defining furniture which has been weaved. When comparing a wicker chair to a rattan chair we are really comparing a product to a process. A rattan chair is made of rattan; however a wicker chair could have been made with other raw materials like straw or bamboo.
The word cane is often used instead of rattan and wicker. Many manufacturers call their rattan furniture cane furniture. But it is essentially the same thing as wicker. In other words it made using the weaving process but it might not necessary be rattan. Only furniture named rattan is definitely rattan.
The earliest examples of cane dates back to more than 3000 years ago and was always manufactured by hand.
Primarily cane furniture was first developed in India and was also common in the second century AD in China. Eventually the west caught on and by the late 1600’s it was imported to England and the Netherlands.
These days rattan furniture is highly popular for indoor and outdoor use. Thanks to advance of technology you can get many different weave colours from black to blue. And they are still just as durable if not more. You can leave the furniture outside in all weathers and with just a little maintenance they will still look great from year after year. The frames are often made from tough welded aluminium which makes them weatherproof. The designs you get these days are pretty amazing too. Gone are the old fashioned rocker chair designs that would be seen in your grandparent’s conservatory. Now you can get really sleek designer looks which really have put cane or rattan furniture on the map.
So if you are looking for some furniture for your home and garden you would be daft and stupid to not even consider modern rattan or cane furniture.
Oil Wicker 1 to Preserve It
Wicker refers to any furniture that is made of woven material. Typical materials include rattan, bamboo, and seagrass. Like any other wood, wicker needs to be oiled in order to stay in good condition. This is especially true of furniture that is either kept outdoors, or exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. However, due to the weaving, it can be difficult to get to all the surfaces that need oil.
The first step is to clean the 1. Vacuum it using a brush attachment to knock all the dust and debris loose in between the weave. Be sure to vacuum both sides of the weave as much as possible. Then wipe the chair down with a damp cloth (also on both sides) and allow it to dry.
Find any type of natural wood oil, and mix it with some thinner with it to make the oil of a lighter consistency. Use a brush to apply the oil. The use of a brush helps to work the oil into all the cracks and crevices. Allow the oil to set for an hour. Then use a dry cloth to buff the wicker, absorbing any excess oil. When rubbing the cloth, go with the weave, or you risk leaving oil in the weave, and you may also fray the rag, leaving lint on the chair.
Repeat the process two or three times, and wait two days in between each coat. The wood material will appear darker while the oil is wet, but will dry to a lighter color again.
Not only will oiling the furniture help the wood to last longer, and avoid fraying, but it can make the chair quieter to sit in.
Buying Wicker and Rattan 1
Wicker and rattan are two different words that are often used interchangeably. Usually, you would expect to see similar furniture that are described using these two terms. However, if you want to be specific about things, then the two words can mean different things.
Strictly speaking, rattan refers to the materials that are used to produce the furniture. In this case, it’s cane. There are different types of canes, and different methods can be used to create the furniture. But in general, most people know cane furniture as rattan furniture.
Wicker, on the other hand, is a process. The cane is weaved into beautiful patterns and this weaving process is known as wicker. Hence the name, wicker furniture. As rattan is the most commonly seen material for such furniture, we often mix the two together and think that they mean the same thing. In many cases, yes, they can be taken to refer to the same furniture type. But bear in mind the key differences.
If you walk into a furniture store and ask for wicker furniture, you don’t really mind the type of materials being used. It can be synthetic rattan (plastic), cane, or seagrass. You are not too concerned. But if you request for rattan furniture, then you will be shown a variety of furniture that is produced only from cane. You can also try to be more specific and provide the name of the material that you are looking for.
Usually, keeping your options open would be a wiser choice. There are all kinds of furniture that is made from cane. For sure, you will be able to find something that will fit into your home.
Let’s say you are going for a more traditional look. You may then go for contemporary designs that are simple and elegant. Such furniture have simple weaving patterns. The furniture frames can be made from wood, metal or plastic. The cane is then wrapped around the frame to form the final furniture piece. The traditional color of cane furniture is beige or brown. It’s easy to match existing themes with those colors.
But if you have a more outgoing personality, then you may prefer bolder designs. Rattan furniture that is made to look modern are commonly made from synthetic rattan. That’s because colors can be easily applied to the materials, giving the furniture a brighter and more vibrant look. You can find L-shaped sofas, bar seats, coffee tables, and all kinds of modern looking furniture.
Finally, pay a little attention to the cushioning on the furniture. The furniture itself is very durable and easy to maintain. So you don’t have to worry too much about maintenance. If it gets a little dirty, just use a damp cloth and wipe it clean. Use a hard bristle brush to clean the gaps. As for the cushioning, it may wear out more quickly if you are not careful. Avoid spilling substances like coffee or paint on the covers, as they can be difficult to remove. Wash and air dry the cushions regularly to keep them clean.
Types Of Wicker Sunroom 1 Items
To understand what Wicker sunroom furniture is, you must first know what is Wicker and how it differentiates from Rattan. Wicker includes all types of products that are made out of natural materials, willow, rush, banana leaf, grasses, straw, cane or reed. They are mostly woven in between frames of Rattan. Rattan refers to a vine that can grow up to some hundred feet high and is extremely strong and durable. Most of the times, both these two materials are used together to make the sunroom furniture. They are soaked in water to soften the fibers so that it can be woven properly. When they are stained, they show slight difference in color and hue. This makes the product look all the more natural and attractive. The wicker sunroom indoor furniture can be molded into various shapes and forms to provide an inexhaustible range of wicker products in all types of look and style. Thus, no matter how your sunroom is shaped and placed, you will definitely find similar shaped wicker furniture to go with the look and feel of your conservatory or sunroom.
Common Wicker Furniture Items
Wicker sunroom furniture can be divided into outdoor & porch furniture, semi-outdoor furniture, and indoor furniture. The outdoor furniture items include seating arrangements, plant stand, porch swing, tables, lounges, rocking chairs, ottomans, loveseats, bar stools, dining tables and chairs, and dining set. The seating arrangements are provided with aluminum frameworks with resin to resist adverse weather. The cushions have weather resistant synthetic fabrics and the sets are available in shades of honey, white, green and grey. The dining set consists of poly-propylene that is hand woven with an interlocking table top with the base of the table. They are available in various colors including black, white, green, golden honey and brown. The dining chairs are stackable and available in various shades including black, brown, green, honey with sage finish and cream frames. The serving chairs measure around 37″X18″ with a height of 32″. The bar set has two shelves made of polypropylene with aluminum framework. They are placed with thick glass on top of them. The bar stools can be stacked and have to be stored properly. The loveseats are available in various colors including golden honey, sage, green and white and generally measure 53″X27″ with a height of 32″. The rocking chairs are part of the all season resin sets available in shades of green, white, golden honey, blue, brown, black and sage. They measure around 33″X36″, with a height of 37″. The porch swings are set with comfortable cushions and measure 52″X25″, with a height of 25″. They are available in various colors to suit the look and feel of your sunroom.
The wicker vanity consisting of a glass topped bench with a mirror and an ottoman will look best if placed next to the sunroom window. Usually they measure 30″X17″, with a height of 52″ and are available in various colors to suit the color of the sunroom. You can also place file cabinets with two drawers, the top of which is made of glass to support photo frames and telephones. You can opt from a range of wicker desks with file cabinets, drawers and cushioned chairs. They are ideal for placing computers and carrying out paper works. The size and style of wicker furniture items depends not only on the size and design of the sunroom or conservatory, but also on the style of the sunroom roof. Rocking chairs and furniture with curved edges are best placed inside curved roofs. Similarly, wicker items with straight edges are best placed in conservatories and straight roofs. The swivel topped TV stand consists of a couple of drawers with an open area for placing the DVD/VCD player. They measure around 31″X18″, with a height of 30″, and are available in various shades including tea wash, dark honey, coffee, and white.
Bath Fixtures And Bedroom Furniture
You can decorate the little space of your sunroom that you use to take bath with the Wicker furniture items. The room screens and dividers are available in three panels with a width of 18″ and height of 72″. The wicker étagère are sometimes provided with doors and sometimes left open. The framework is of steel and they are available in a variety of colors. The three tier floor shelves can be used for a variety of purposes like placing towels, decorating with flowers and placing other decorative items. The bedroom collection includes day beds, wardrobes and dressers, framed mirrors, nightstand, dressers and beds. The dressers or wicker chests are provided with multiple drawers in a variety of colors. The day beds are the ideal place to relax during the afternoon and measure around 81″X41″, with a height of 42″. Wicker furniture lends a natural look and feel to your sunroom design and provides the ideal place to relax with a view of the surrounding landscape.
Wicker Sunroom 1: Care And Maintenance
Wicker is a general term that actually describes any type of furniture or object that is woven from natural organic materials. This includes willow. reed. rattan and bamboo. This special type of furniture made of reeds and vines needs a special type of care and environment. Many choose to accessorize their wicker sunroom furniture with stylish cushions and fabrics. These too must be maintained in order to preserve the look of the furniture.
Choosing Cushions for Your Wicker Furniture
Many do not realize that the beautiful layout they see in the ads for wicker furniture often does not include the padding or cushions. Careful examination of the small print usually reveals that cushions must be purchased separately or will only be included for an extra fee. On average. cushions for wicker furniture can be found at any department store with a home decorating section. Should the furniture require a certain size or type of cushion. there are always many options available online. Sturdy fabrics are the best choice for sunroom furniture that will see a lot of use. However. regardless of the amount of use the furniture will see. it is always a good idea to treat the cushions with a stain repellant. Not only will this help the fabric retain its composition. it will make cleaning easier in the off chance that something is spilled on the fabric!
Maintaining Your Wicker Furniture
Be sure to keep your wicker furniture away from sources of dry heat as this will make it brittle. This type of furniture will do best in environments with a certain amount of humidity in the air. The manufacturer’s instructions are the best source for information on how to restore the moisture content of the furniture. In general. the moisture content of wicker can be as easy as a quick rinsing with a garden hose.
To maintain wicker furniture and keep it in the best possible condition. a regular light dusting with the brush attachment that comes with a vacuum cleaner is recommended. Gently following the weave of the wicker will help to remove dust and debris that may have become trapped in the wicker. For heavy build up on arm rests or tabletops. wipe the wicker with a damp cloth that has been soaked in a mild soapy solution; then follow with a clean damp rag to remove any soap residue.
For bamboo furniture. a wax or polish is recommended.